Are the January blues creeping in? ...That means it’s time to start planning your next surf mission.
Welcome to Carve’s 2026 Surf Travel Hotlist, a handpicked breakdown of the surf holidays we’re backing for the year ahead.
From jungle-lined breaks in Sri Lanka and surf boats in the Maldives, to culture-soaked North African setups and European escapes that deliver everytime.
Use the list below to plan your next surf escape for 2026. Because having a trip locked in makes going back to work feel a lot better.
Surf Holidays for 2026:
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Lombok
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Xanadu Surf & Yoga, Lombok
Warm water, fun waves, and an environment built for surfers who want to progress with intention, Xanadu Surf & Yoga Retreat in Lombok is designed for focused improvement, not just time in the water.
Set above Kuta Bay, Xanadu has moved beyond the standard surf retreat model. For 2026, the emphasis is on structured surf performance and improvement. Dedicated progression-focused weeks, alongside Advanced Longboard Training, support intermediate and advanced surfers.
Sessions follow a purposeful rhythm: Surf with clear objectives, receive direct feedback, and return to the water with time to apply it. The goal is simple - measurable progression by the end of the week.
Coaching is experienced, precise, and ego-free, creating space to work on technique, flow, and confidence without pressure. Off the water, yoga, recovery sessions, and wholesome food support consistency and performance.
This is not about chasing waves. It’s about leaving Lombok surfing with more control, clarity, and confidence.
Jungle Villa
Sri Lanka
Surf Spirit - Jungle Villa
Jungle Villa, Sri Lanka
The Jungle Villa is a perfect place for surfers seeking calm, nature and balance in 2026.
Surrounded by the lush tropical jungle, this spacious villa offers complete privacy and a deeply relaxed surf atmosphere, while still being only a short drive away from the beach and the vibrant town of Unawatuna.
The whole Jungle Villa is exclusively for Surf Spirit guests, creating a peaceful and personal retreat where you can fully unwind between surf sessions.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, the surf sessions are tailored to your individual level and goals. Yoga takes place in a quiet nature cabaña. A large pool, community areas and hidden corners allow you to choose between time for yourself and community at any time.
The Jungle Villa is perfect for surfers who want to slow down, nourish mind and body, reconnect with nature and enjoy a flexible, well organised surf & yoga retreat.
Amayour Surf & Yoga
Morocco
Amayour Surf & Yoga
Amayour Surf & Yoga, Morocco
January hits Taghazout differently. As winter drags on, Morocco is sun-soaked, salty, and alive.
Amayour Surf & Yoga is the place where the season slows down just enough to let you actually feel it, the waves, the warmth, the people.
Mornings start on our rooftop with yoga in the soft light of winter, followed by a long breakfast and the buzz of boards getting loaded. Morocco delivers on everything from cruisy bays to powerful reef breaks, guaranteeing there is always a wave at hand. Afternoons turn to golden hours, fresh food, barefoot conversations and the feeling that you wish you could bottle.
With 4 ISA-certified coaches guiding surf sessions with deep expertise, choosing the right waves for your ability and helping you build confidence in the surf.
Amayour’s spaces are warm, relaxed and thoughtfully designed, with shared and private rooms available across all locations.
Amayour is about feeling inspired: by the waves, the team, and a decade-long passion for doing surf travel well. Amayour isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about being exactly where you’re meant to be.
If January is calling for sunshine, surf and soul, this is your sign.
The Surf Experience
Portugal
The Surf Experience
The Surf Experience, Portugal
The Surf Experience is Portugal’s original surf camp, with over 34 years of experience in creating unforgettable surf trips.
Based in Lagos, one of the most vibrant Portuguese towns known for its culture, stunning coastline, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The location almost sells itself!!
Expect to combine your classic beginner, intermediate & advanced surf stays with specialist sessions of yoga, surf safaris and world-class longboard specialist and shortboard pro coaching weeks.
There are several fantastic accommodation options to choose from in the heart of town. Shared and private, depending on your vibe and if you’re travelling solo or with a group. All of the houses are just a stone’s throw from all the beaches and restaurants.
The Surf Experience are famous for their friendly, family vibe. With a big focus on homemade sustainable cooking, fabulous rooftop nights with a sprinkle of aprés surf, promising that you’ll have the opportunity to boogie before you leave.
You´ll never want to leave.
Villa Andalucia
Spain
Surf Spirit - Villa Andalucia
Villa Andalucia, Spain
The Surf Spirit Villa Andalucia in Spain is the perfect European surf escape for 2026, combining sunshine, vibrant culture and consistent waves.
With over 300 sunny days a year, this region offers mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal place for surfers all year round.
The Villa Andalucia is a charming boho villa just 5 minutes from the beach, offering a relaxed and personal atmosphere that feels like home.
From October to March, fewer tourists, offshore winds and powerful Atlantic swells create excellent conditions for surfers of all levels. Days flow freely between surfing, yoga, creative time and long beach walks.
In spring and summer, the coastal towns come more alive with music, open cafés and vibrant energy.
No place combines surf, soul and lifestyle as perfectly as this one.
surf-spirit.com/villa-andalucia
Island Hop
The Maldives
Island Hop Maldives
Island Hop, The Maldives
Surf. Islands. Cold Beers. Repeat.
Small Group - Maldives Surf Adventure with Misraab-65 Maldives Surf Charters
Looking for the ultimate Maldives surf escape without the crowds or crazy costs? Misraab-65 Motor Cruiser delivers a relaxed, small-group surf adventure built for good vibes and great waves.
Perfect for private groups of 4–8 mates, Misraab keeps things intimate, flexible and social. Can’t get everyone locked in? Easy, just join one of their 7-night Open Boat trips and jump onboard with a like-minded crew.
Surf world-class breaks, fish between sessions, island-hop through local atolls and snorkel turquoise lagoons, then crack ice-cold beers at sunset as the day winds down on deck.
From just US$2,000 per person for 7 nights / 8 days, Misraab offers incredible value for an authentic Maldives surf trip, run by the experts at IslandHop Maldives.
islandhopholidays.com/misraab-small-group-charters
Yume Surfcamps
Portugal
Yume Surfcamps
Yume Surfcamps, Portugal
Hidden in nature, just a five-minute walk from the beach, Yume Surfcamps keeps it simple: no mass tourism, just good people and really good waves.
Guests stay in comfortable glamping tipis set on wooden platforms. With proper beds and electricity, they combine the magic of outdoor living with everything you actually want after a long day of surfing.
Located in Praia de Mira, Yume Surfcamps is one of the last places in Europe where line-ups are still empty. With several different breaks to choose from around the camp, there are waves for all levels. Lessons run in small groups, with instructors in the water - not twenty meters back on the shoreline.
Free daily yoga, creative workshops, high-quality food and international, open-minded people.
Yume is not about overpriced extras or crowded waves. It’s about doing things well, paying a fair price, and spending your days with people who quickly become friends.
Mint Surf
Morocco
Mint Surf
Mint Surf, Morocco
Mint Surf delivers a laid-back, high-quality surf experience right in the heart of Morocco’s most beautiful surf towns - Tamraght. With year-round sunshine and over 15 surf spots within easy reach, this stretch of coastline offers something for everyone, from mellow beginner waves to world-class point breaks.
Mint Surf caters to all levels, including mixed-ability groups and couples, with guiding and lesson packages that mean less time planning and more time in the water. Surf days are organised around the conditions, ensuring you’re always in the right place at the right time. Equipment is top quality, coaching is knowledgeable and approachable, and everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on surfing.
The Mint Surf House is a beautiful traditional Moroccan riad, complete with a courtyard pool and rooftop terrace. All rooms are private with ensuite bathrooms, so you can relax in your downtime.
Yoga on the open rooftop overlooking the serene courtyard can be added on to any package!
Mint Surf is ideal for surfers who want great waves, thoughtful organisation and space to truly enjoy Morocco’s surf culture.
Beach Lodge
Sri Lanka
Surf Spirit - Beach Lodge
Beach Lodge, Sri Lanka
The Beach Lodge is located directly on the beach, right in front of their home surf spot, allowing you to check the waves from your balcony and jump straight into the ocean.
Every room offers sea views, creating a constant connection to the rhythm of the waves.
Daily surf sessions are perfectly combined with yoga on the rooftop terrace, where panoramic ocean views and warm tropical breezes set the tone for deep relaxation.
The beach lodge has a lively atmosphere, with a public restaurant and bar that invite to connect with other like minded people.
Thanks to Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, consistent waves and water temperatures between 27 and 31°C all year round, the Beach Lodge is ideal in every season. It is especially suited for beginner and intermediate surfers who want easy access to waves, healthy food and community vibes.
Paradis Plage
Morocco
Paradis Plage
Paradis Plage, Morocco
Paradis Plage is the height of luxury for your surfing holiday. Set on a stunning five-kilometre beachfront near Taghazout, this award-winning eco-resort offers a refined surf escape designed for progression and restoration.
With more than 18 world-class surf breaks nearby, Paradis Plage caters to all abilities. The programmes are fully tailored, combining expert coaching, high-quality Rip Curl equipment and personalised training plans to help you progress faster and with confidence. For more experienced surfers, guided sessions unlock the best conditions along the coast, while beginners benefit from in depth lessons with the experienced team.
Off the water, wellbeing is the focus. Daily yoga takes place in ocean-view shalas from sunrise to sunset. The Paradise Eco Spa offers treatments inspired by Moroccan and global wellness traditions.
Meals will be a highlight of your experience, food is locally sourced, organic and deeply nourishing, served across multiple restaurants with views of the Atlantic.
Committed to sustainability, Paradis Plage holds the Green Key eco-label and works closely with environmental organisations to protect the coastline it calls home.
Just a short flight from Europe, it’s the perfect winter sun destination for surfers seeking both comfort and world-class waves.
Habitat Algarve
Portugal
Surf Spirit - Habitat Algarve
Habitat Algarve, Portugal
Portugal offers a pure and grounding surf escape, deeply connected to nature and the power of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Surf Spirit Habitat Algarve is an off-grid eco retreat surrounded by forests and hills, far from mass tourism and everyday distractions.
Guests stay in cosy glamping tents or a wooden cabin, living simply and consciously in harmony with the land.
Yoga takes place on a mountaintop deck overlooking the Hinterland of Aljezur, while surf sessions lead to some of the best and most varied surf spots in Europe. The Atlantic provides waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike, with daily spot selection based on conditions.
Sharing the most delicious organic meals, creative workshops and star-filled nights create a sense of community and presence. This place is perfect for surfers who want to disconnect to reconnect in 2026.
surf-spirit.com/habitat-algarve
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